What would you guys do?

[LouiseAz]

Hello,

so I was battling major depression with some eating problems for about 2 years, an amazing counsellor, medication and breaking up with my constantly verbally abusive boyfriend really helped eventually. I stopped taking my medication when I was on holiday in January this year (I know you aren't meant to stop of yourself but I was just so free and happy every single damn day that I thought I don't need this anymore)  and I think I was doing pretty good. But lately the down feelings have been coming back and I've been sort of on the verge of going to get help again but then I think hmm no maybe one more day I'll see how I feel. But I do feel like things are starting to come down on top of me again. In all of your experiences if anyone has felt like they might slip again what have you done, have you tried alternative things like going for walks/distracting yourself etx or have you gone to the counsellor for advice or maybe you've gone and got yourself straight back on medication?

i just want to know what has helped with other people, and yes there is embarrassment of being not okay when you and wveryone else thought you were past it.. 

[JessF]

Hello Louise, sometimes coming off medication -especially suddenly which as you say is not recommended- can be a bit of a trap.  I've done this myself, feeling great so let's stop the pills, and then comes a crash.  Sometimes we forget that the reason we are feeling stable is the reason why we had to start taking the pills in the first place.  Some of us have brains that don't produce enough of the right chemicals, just like a diabetic needing to take insulin.  Imaghine what would happen if you were diabetic and thought, I don't need these injections anymore, I've been feeling ok.

For some people depression is something that comes in a single bout related to a particular sad event or difficult time in life, but for others it is something that we have to deal with throughout our lives, and with that realisation comes that there is no one magic thing to fix it: it's about a whole lifestyle and management plan.  That can include medication, seeing a counsellor regularly, and also the things you talk about such as distraction techniques, keeping fit by going for walks etc.

Please don't feel embarrassed by this, the way you are feeling is not a fault of your character or a weakness.  There is no need to be ashamed about seeking help again, which includes coming here to talk to thsoe of us who know what you are going through. 

[AGrace]

Hi Louise,

I was reading your post and it reminded me of just how I feel whenever I have to go back into hospital, kind of like I've failed at all the treatments I've been putting all my effort into up until that point. So yes, I can definitely say there have been plenty of times where I've felt myself slipping and needed some extra support.

The first step is recognising, and you've already achieved this so part of the battle is already won. It's completely up to you what form of treatment you decide from there. One thing I did do after being discharged from my last hospital admission was come up with a really good crisis prevention plan/relapse prevention plan/crisis management plan. It was rather time consuming but I've used it every single day since. Its something that you can do when you're feeling well, or well enough. The Centre for Clinical Intervention (CCI) website has a template for this if you're interested. (BTW they are a WA based mental health organisation)

Some of the things I've included in mine are a list of pleasurable activities, options for "Opposite Actions" (things to do despite how you feel), Self Soothing Techniques, People to contact if needed, Distraction Techniques, and when do I know when I need extra help (aka: what do I look like when I'm in crisis). It's also a good idea to share the plan with a friend/family member/member of your treatment team, so they can implement some things on your behalf.

So I definitely think there are self help or self care things you can do before seeking medical attention, however I strongly urge you to seek help if you feel like daily activities, thoughts, or feelings are becoming overwhelming. You never have to feel like you need to go through this alone.

I hope that even just a little bit of this helps.

AGrace